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The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday&nbsp;released election&nbsp;manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20.

The manifesto, released by&nbsp;BJP President Amit Shah&nbsp;in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh,&nbsp;promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board.&nbsp;In addition. &nbsp;Shah has also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business.&nbsp;

The manifesto also promised free books and uniform to students till 12th standard.

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छत्तीसगढ़ फिल्म सिटी का निर्माण किया जाएगा, 12वीं तक सभी छात्र-छात्राओं को मुफ्त किताबें और वर्दी दी जाएगी : श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> 
 
लाइव देखें <a href="https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4">https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4</a> || <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://t.co/8VFTVTGUfW">pic.twitter.com/8VFTVTGUfW</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061155039325052929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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पत्रकार कल्याण बोर्ड का गठन किया जाएगा, महिलाओं को अपने व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए 2 लाख रुपये तक ब्याज मुक्त ऋण: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://t.co/A9jrllaOLJ">pic.twitter.com/A9jrllaOLJ</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061154486230478848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Addressing the event, Amit Shah said, "Raman Singh has taken concrete steps to change Chhattisgarh in the past 15 years. He has been successful at his attempts at developing the state." &nbsp;

Shah further said that the BJP's most successful achievement in the state has been its&nbsp;crackdown on naxals. He said Raman Singh has almost finished Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.

"BJP government in Chhattisgarh and its 15 years of governance sets a perfect example of a welfare state in the country, "&nbsp;Shah added.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> जी ने 15 साल में छत्तीसगढ़ को बदलने का भरसक प्रयास किया है, सफल प्रयास किया है। हमारी सबसे बड़ी उपलब्धि नक्सलवाद पर नकेल कसने की है, रमन सिंह जी ने नक्सलवाद को करीब करीब खत्म कर दिया है: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/2EOcwa4gQj">pic.twitter.com/2EOcwa4gQj</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061148861232644096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide short-term loans at zero interest and the first to bring in its own law for skill development.

Hitting out the Congress, Shah&nbsp;said the party which sees a revolution in Naxalism can never do any good for the state.

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जिस पार्टी को नक्सलवाद में क्रांति दिखाई देती हो वो छत्तीसगढ़ का भला नहीं कर सकती: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> 
 
लाइव देखें <a href="https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4">https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4</a> || <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061153256766763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Congress ruled for almost 55 years in the country but the Modi government at the centre and the BJP government at the state is delivering development to every citizen of the state, " Amit Shah said.

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कांग्रेस ने करीब-करीब 55 साल शासन किया है लेकिन देश के अंतिम व्यक्ति तक विकास पहुँचाने का काम केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और राज्य में भाजपा सरकारें कर रही है : श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/KXKe8ghJxd">pic.twitter.com/KXKe8ghJxd</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061153087182667778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He further praised the BJP government in the state&nbsp;and said providing 24-hour electricity, clean water, roads, education, health has been his government's big achievement.

&nbsp;

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released election manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20. The manifesto, released by BJP President Amit Shah in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh, promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board.

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released election manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20. The manifesto, released by BJP President Amit Shah in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh, promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. In addition. Shah has also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business. The manifesto also promised free books and uniform to students till 12th standard. छत्तीसगढ़ फिल्म सिटी का निर्माण किया जाएगा, 12वीं तक सभी छात्र-छात्राओं को मुफ्त किताबें और वर्दी दी जाएगी : श्री @drramansingh #BJPCGSankalpPatra लाइव देखें https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4 || https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT pic.twitter.com/8VFTVTGUfW — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × पत्रकार कल्याण बोर्ड का गठन किया जाएगा, महिलाओं को अपने व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए 2 लाख रुपये तक ब्याज मुक्त ऋण: श्री @drramansingh #BJPCGSankalpPatra https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT pic.twitter.com/A9jrllaOLJ — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × Addressing the event, Amit Shah said, "Raman Singh has taken concrete steps to change Chhattisgarh in the past 15 years. He has been successful at his attempts at developing the state." Shah further said that the BJP's most successful achievement in the state has been its crackdown on naxals. He said Raman Singh has almost finished Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. "BJP government in Chhattisgarh and its 15 years of governance sets a perfect example of a welfare state in the country, " Shah added. .@drramansingh जी ने 15 साल में छत्तीसगढ़ को बदलने का भरसक प्रयास किया है, सफल प्रयास किया है। हमारी सबसे बड़ी उपलब्धि नक्सलवाद पर नकेल कसने की है, रमन सिंह जी ने नक्सलवाद को करीब करीब खत्म कर दिया है: श्री @AmitShah https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT #BJPCGSankalpPatra pic.twitter.com/2EOcwa4gQj — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × He said Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide short-term loans at zero interest and the first to bring in its own law for skill development. Hitting out the Congress, Shah said the party which sees a revolution in Naxalism can never do any good for the state. जिस पार्टी को नक्सलवाद में क्रांति दिखाई देती हो वो छत्तीसगढ़ का भला नहीं कर सकती: श्री @AmitShah #BJPCGSankalpPatra लाइव देखें https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4 || https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × "Congress ruled for almost 55 years in the country but the Modi government at the centre and the BJP government at the state is delivering development to every citizen of the state, " Amit Shah said. कांग्रेस ने करीब-करीब 55 साल शासन किया है लेकिन देश के अंतिम व्यक्ति तक विकास पहुँचाने का काम केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और राज्य में भाजपा सरकारें कर रही है : श्री @AmitShah https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT #BJPCGSankalpPatra pic.twitter.com/KXKe8ghJxd — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × He further praised the BJP government in the state and said providing 24-hour electricity, clean water, roads, education, health has been his government's big achievement.

BJP promises interest-free loan to women in Chhattisgarh election manifesto

Congress and its partners in the 'grand alliance' for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana Saturday held consultations on finalising seat sharing amid demands from the CPI to increase its share.

The 'grand alliance' comprises Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).

CPI, which had expressed dissatisfaction over being offered three seats by the Congress, said it is hopeful that its demand for an increase in the share would be considered.

"It was we (CPI) who formed the alliance. Alliance will be there. We will definitely be successful in seat adjustments. We will go ahead with optimism," CPI State secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters here.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress 'unilaterally' announcing that it would give three seats to CPI, the Left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats.

TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners intend to move ahead in a planned manner, including preparing a road map, in the days to come.

The first list of Congress candidates for the polls would be released on November 10, AICC in-charge of party affairs in Telangana R C Khuntia had said.

However, the move has been deferred as the talks remained inconclusive.

Congress had said that it has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI.

Khuntia had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 Assembly segments.

The gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.

The supporters of some aspirants for Congress tickets staged a sit-in Saturday at Gandhi Bhavan, the State Congress headquarters,demanding that their leaders be given tickets.

The TRS, which had announced candidates for 105 seats on September 6 when the Assembly was dissolved, is on a hectic campaign.

TRS leader and minister in the caretaker government K T Rama Rao attacked the Congress-TDP alliance, alleging that TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had been critical of the Congress and its former president Sonia Gandhi earlier.

TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would distribute the 'B forms' (authorised forms for candidature) to the party nominees on Sunday, party sources said.

He would also meet party activists from his constituency of Gajwel near here, they said.

Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said in a press release that the Election Commission has issued an order banning conduct of exit polls and the publication of its results in Telangana from 7 AM on November 12 to 5.30 PM on December 7.&nbsp;

Congress and its partners in the 'grand alliance' for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana Saturday held consultations on finalising seat sharing amid demands from the CPI to increase its share.

Congress and its partners in the 'grand alliance' for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana Saturday held consultations on finalising seat sharing amid demands from the CPI to increase its share. The 'grand alliance' comprises Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). CPI, which had expressed dissatisfaction over being offered three seats by the Congress, said it is hopeful that its demand for an increase in the share would be considered. "It was we (CPI) who formed the alliance. Alliance will be there. We will definitely be successful in seat adjustments. We will go ahead with optimism," CPI State secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters here. Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress 'unilaterally' announcing that it would give three seats to CPI, the Left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats. TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners intend to move ahead in a planned manner, including preparing a road map, in the days to come. The first list of Congress candidates for the polls would be released on November 10, AICC in-charge of party affairs in Telangana R C Khuntia had said. However, the move has been deferred as the talks remained inconclusive. Congress had said that it has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. Khuntia had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 Assembly segments. The gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission. The supporters of some aspirants for Congress tickets staged a sit-in Saturday at Gandhi Bhavan, the State Congress headquarters,demanding that their leaders be given tickets. The TRS, which had announced candidates for 105 seats on September 6 when the Assembly was dissolved, is on a hectic campaign. TRS leader and minister in the caretaker government K T Rama Rao attacked the Congress-TDP alliance, alleging that TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had been critical of the Congress and its former president Sonia Gandhi earlier. TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would distribute the 'B forms' (authorised forms for candidature) to the party nominees on Sunday, party sources said. He would also meet party activists from his constituency of Gajwel near here, they said. Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said in a press release that the Election Commission has issued an order banning conduct of exit polls and the publication of its results in Telangana from 7 AM on November 12 to 5.30 PM on December 7.

Telangana polls: 'Grand alliance' partners hold talks; CPI demands more seats

Security forces on Saturday gunned down two heavily armed terrorists hiding in a village in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district, police said.

Receiving information about their presence in Tekkin village, a cordon and search operation was started that led the militants to fire at the forces.

Both were killed in the ensuing gun battle. Their identities are yet to be established.

Security forces recovered incriminating materials including arms and ammunition from the site of encounter, according to news agency ANI.

Security forces on Saturday gunned down two heavily armed terrorists hiding in a village in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district, police said. Receiving information about their presence in Tekkin village, a cordon and search operation was started that led the militants to fire at the forces.

Security forces on Saturday gunned down two heavily armed terrorists hiding in a village in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district, police said. Receiving information about their presence in Tekkin village, a cordon and search operation was started that led the militants to fire at the forces. Both were killed in the ensuing gun battle. Their identities are yet to be established. Security forces recovered incriminating materials including arms and ammunition from the site of encounter, according to news agency ANI.

2 militants killed in Jammu and Kashmir encounter

Petrol prices continued to decline on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.40 per litre in Mumbai.

While prices of petrol reduced by 17 paise in the two cities, diesel prices witnessed a reduction of&nbsp;16 paise in Delhi and 17 paise in Mumbai.

The prices of diesel were revised to Rs 72.58 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai.

On Friday the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 78.06 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.98 in Kolkata, Rs 83.57 in Mumbai and Rs 81.08 in Chennai.

While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 72.74 per litre in Delhi, Rs 74.60 in Kolkata, Rs 76.22 in Mumbai and Rs 76.89 in Chennai.

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Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs 77.89 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 72.58 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.16), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs 83.40 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 76.05 (decrease by Rs 0.17), respectively. <a href="https://t.co/jglQ1gGbLt">pic.twitter.com/jglQ1gGbLt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061057417230905344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2&nbsp;announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices.

The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre.&nbsp;

The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Petrol prices continued to decline on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.40 per litre in Mumbai. While prices of petrol reduced by 17 paise in the two cities, diesel prices witnessed a reduction of 16 paise in Delhi and 17 paise in Mumbai.

Petrol prices continued to decline on Saturday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.40 per litre in Mumbai. While prices of petrol reduced by 17 paise in the two cities, diesel prices witnessed a reduction of 16 paise in Delhi and 17 paise in Mumbai. The prices of diesel were revised to Rs 72.58 per litre in Delhi and Rs 76.05 per litre in Mumbai. On Friday the prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 78.06 per litre in Delhi, Rs 79.98 in Kolkata, Rs 83.57 in Mumbai and Rs 81.08 in Chennai. While diesel prices were recorded at Rs 72.74 per litre in Delhi, Rs 74.60 in Kolkata, Rs 76.22 in Mumbai and Rs 76.89 in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs 77.89 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 72.58 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.16), respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 83.40 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.17) and Rs 76.05 (decrease by Rs 0.17), respectively. pic.twitter.com/jglQ1gGbLt — ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2018 × The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices. The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis. The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.

Fuel prices slashed; petrol at Rs 77.89 per litre in Delhi, Rs 83.40 in Mumbai

Anti-BJP parties would meet in New Delhi on November 22 to create a common platform and chalk out their future course of action, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Saturday.

Addressing a press meet after a meeting with Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot who came here as an emissary of Rahul Gandhi at his riverfront residence here, the Telugu Desam President said the endeavour was to bring everybody on board to fight the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Naidu said he would meet West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on November 19 or 20.

"This is broadly anti-BJP platform. This is in the interest of the nation. Save democracy, save the nation and save the institutions..That is the agenda. That is the national agenda, an utmost important agenda," Naidu said.

The TDP chief had recently met former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy and DMK president M K Stalin as part of his efforts to forge a front against the BJP.

"Now I have convinced everybody. Everybody is willing to cooperate with us. In this experiment, Congress is the main opposition party. They have more responsibility. We have to acknowledge that," Naidu said.

The New Delhi meeting would decide on "how to move forward" and also "build an organisational structure" for the anti-BJP platform, he added.

Naidu said he had already met several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah and others, and would meet Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Replying to questions, he said there were only "two platforms" in the country BJP and anti-BJP.

"Political parties should decide which side they are. If they don't join us, it means they are with BJP," he said.

"The Tamil Nadu government is controlled by remote control (from New Delhi). Telangana Rashtra Samitis (TRS) agenda is BJP agenda. Some parties are there. They are aligned with the BJP," Naidu said.

The TDP chief said some parties might join them after the elections to Assemblies in five states and "one or two" might come after the Lok Sabha elections. 
"Our effort is to bring everybody on board to fight the BJP," he said.

To a question, he said sharing of seats (in elections) and other things would come after some time.

Gehlot said there was an "undeclared Emergency-type atmosphere in the country.

Institutions are getting destroyed in the country. Constitution (of India) is getting weakened. People are worried. Not one section of the society is happy with the Modi administration in the last four and a half years," the former Rajasthan chief minister said.

While anti-BJP parties have their foundations in secularism and democracy, the BJP and RSS people have only the "mask of democracy" on their faces, he said.

"They dont have any faith in democracy. They are fascist...," Gehlot alleged.

This was the "proper time" for (anti-BJP) parties to come on to a single platform and forge a grand alliance, the AICC general secretary added.&nbsp;

Anti-BJP parties would meet in New Delhi on November 22 to create a common platform and chalk out their future course of action, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Saturday.

Anti-BJP parties would meet in New Delhi on November 22 to create a common platform and chalk out their future course of action, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Saturday. Addressing a press meet after a meeting with Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot who came here as an emissary of Rahul Gandhi at his riverfront residence here, the Telugu Desam President said the endeavour was to bring everybody on board to fight the Bharatiya Janata Party. Naidu said he would meet West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on November 19 or 20. "This is broadly anti-BJP platform. This is in the interest of the nation. Save democracy, save the nation and save the institutions..That is the agenda. That is the national agenda, an utmost important agenda," Naidu said. The TDP chief had recently met former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy and DMK president M K Stalin as part of his efforts to forge a front against the BJP. "Now I have convinced everybody. Everybody is willing to cooperate with us. In this experiment, Congress is the main opposition party. They have more responsibility. We have to acknowledge that," Naidu said. The New Delhi meeting would decide on "how to move forward" and also "build an organisational structure" for the anti-BJP platform, he added. Naidu said he had already met several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah and others, and would meet Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Replying to questions, he said there were only "two platforms" in the country BJP and anti-BJP. "Political parties should decide which side they are. If they don't join us, it means they are with BJP," he said. "The Tamil Nadu government is controlled by remote control (from New Delhi). Telangana Rashtra Samitis (TRS) agenda is BJP agenda. Some parties are there. They are aligned with the BJP," Naidu said. The TDP chief said some parties might join them after the elections to Assemblies in five states and "one or two" might come after the Lok Sabha elections. "Our effort is to bring everybody on board to fight the BJP," he said. To a question, he said sharing of seats (in elections) and other things would come after some time. Gehlot said there was an "undeclared Emergency-type atmosphere in the country. Institutions are getting destroyed in the country. Constitution (of India) is getting weakened. People are worried. Not one section of the society is happy with the Modi administration in the last four and a half years," the former Rajasthan chief minister said. While anti-BJP parties have their foundations in secularism and democracy, the BJP and RSS people have only the "mask of democracy" on their faces, he said. "They dont have any faith in democracy. They are fascist...," Gehlot alleged. This was the "proper time" for (anti-BJP) parties to come on to a single platform and forge a grand alliance, the AICC general secretary added.

Opposition parties will meet on November 22 to discuss future course of action: Chandrababu Naidu

Breaking News: South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa may be Chief guest of R-day

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.'

He alleged that even basic infrastructure like toilets and drinking water for pilgrims were yet to be readied at Sabarimala.

"Though the pilgrim season is just a week away, basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for thousands of of pilgrims who are expected to visit the place are yet to be arranged.

The Chief Minister must shed his arrogance and call an all-party meeting," he said at a press meet here.

Lakhs of pilgrims from the country and abroad visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple every year during the annual Mandala-Makaravilikku pilgrimage season every year.

The Congress MLA also sought a judicial probe into the death of a man who was pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by a police official.

He said the Chief Minister was yet to visit the grieving family of Sanal.

32-year-old Sanal was killed after being pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Neyyatinkara) B Harikumar at Neyyatinkara near here.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for Sanal's widow.&nbsp;

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.

Congress leader and MLA K Muraleedharan Saturday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convene an all-party meeting before the Mandala- Makaravilikku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, beginning November 17, to sort out 'infrastructure bottlenecks.' He alleged that even basic infrastructure like toilets and drinking water for pilgrims were yet to be readied at Sabarimala. "Though the pilgrim season is just a week away, basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets for thousands of of pilgrims who are expected to visit the place are yet to be arranged. The Chief Minister must shed his arrogance and call an all-party meeting," he said at a press meet here. Lakhs of pilgrims from the country and abroad visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple every year during the annual Mandala-Makaravilikku pilgrimage season every year. The Congress MLA also sought a judicial probe into the death of a man who was pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by a police official. He said the Chief Minister was yet to visit the grieving family of Sanal. 32-year-old Sanal was killed after being pushed in front of a moving car, allegedly by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Neyyatinkara) B Harikumar at Neyyatinkara near here. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for Sanal's widow.

Congress MLA urges CM Vijayan to call all-party meeting on Sabarimala

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised all-loan waiver to poor farmers within 10 days of forming the government if voted to power in Chattisgarh.

Gandhi, who was addressing a rally at Kanker, said: "It is my firm assurance to you that if the Congress emerges victorious in the ensuing Assembly polls, our government will waive off all loans of poor farmers within 10 days."

He also said that the Congress government would give Rs 2,500 to every farmer for harvesting his paddy crop.

"We will not only waive off farmers'&nbsp;within 10 days of coming to power but will also give Rs 2,500 to each farmer for harvesting and sowing paddy. Congress government will also give bonus to farmers. In case they have not received any bonus from the past two years, we will compensate them accordingly," he said.

Gandhi also touched upon the issue of unemployment and promised that after coming to power, his government will work day and night to set up food processing factories in every block and district of the state to ease the life of farmers in selling their produces.

"Congress government will ensure farmers get right price for their produces. We will set up food processing factories in all districts and blocks. From these factories, not only you will get the correct price for your crops but your children will also get employment in these factories," said Rahul in a bid to woo farmers, who play a key role in the state politics.

"It has been 15 years that Dr Raman Singh has been in power in the state. As on to date, more than 40 lakh people are unemployed in the region and around 65 per cent of the land has not been irrigated. Moreover, 75,000 acres of land have also been taken away from the tribal people and given to the close aides of the government," he claimed.

He said his mission is to make Chhattisgarh an agricultural state like Punjab and Haryana within five years.Talking about the issue of development, the Congress president tore into the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and claimed that the Centre failed to fulfill its promise of creating two crore jobs every year and created only fewer jobs for the youths.

"I have a vision. I want that Chhattisgarh youths must be given loans so that they can set up their own factories and create employment in the state," he added.

"If one looks closely, China within a span of 24 hours gives employment to more than 50,000 people but Modi ji is only providing employment to 450 people per hour as all the money, nearly Rs 12,50,000 crore, has been given to his 15 friends. Modi ji only believes in 15 people but I believe in crores of people," he added.

Gandhi also promised the gathering that his government would put an end to the outsourcing of labour works in the state and will first provide employment opportunity to the poor people of Chhattisgarh.

"Each family in the village who does not possess any property will be given a piece of land," he added.

While training guns at the Central government, Rahul Gandhi claimed that more than 60,000 seats of teachers are lying vacant in the state and they will make efforts to fill them fast after coming to power.

Talking about the decades old-MNREGA programme, the Congress president alleged that the Narendra Modi-led government has spent Rs 35,000 crore for the implementation of the scheme but still failed to provide any relief to the poor.

"All of that money has been distributed among his friends like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Lalit Modi."

Speaking about the menace of corruption prevailing in the state, the 48-year-old leader alleged that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh was himself corrupt. He also pointed fingers at the state government for not initiating any investigation against the Dr Singh's son after his name appeared in the Panama Papers case.

"Whenever Modi ji goes somewhere, he claims that his government is against the menace of corruption. But after coming to Chhattisgarh, he does not mention that the chief minister is also a corrupt man. The state CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why has no action been taken against his son, whose name appeared in the Panama papers case? In Pakistan the PM is jailed because his name appeared in Panama Papers case," he said.

Rahul also mentioned about the famous Public Distribution System scam and stated that Rs 36,000 crore from the people of Chhattisgarh was looted.

"I want Raman Singh ji to answer who are this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names were found in the diary in connection with the scam."Gandhi scion said that his party will not work for any particular religion, community, caste or a district but for all.

He also added that as soon as the Congress comes to power in the state, they will build schools, colleges, and hospitals and will also uplift the status of poor in the society by implementing 'Paisa Kanoon,'&nbsp;Tribal Bill and Real Estate Law.

The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh comprises 18 seats and these are distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts.

Of these, 12 are Scheduled Tribe seats while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on November 20.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls.

In the 2013 assembly elections, the BJP had bagged 49 seats, Congress got 39, Bahujan Samajwadi Party and Independent got one seat each in the 90-member House.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised all-loan waiver to poor farmers within 10 days of forming the government if voted to power in Chattisgarh. Gandhi, who was addressing a rally at Kanker, said: "It is my firm assurance to you that if the Congress emerges victorious in the ensuing Assembly polls, our government will waive off all loans of poor farmers within 10 days.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised all-loan waiver to poor farmers within 10 days of forming the government if voted to power in Chattisgarh. Gandhi, who was addressing a rally at Kanker, said: "It is my firm assurance to you that if the Congress emerges victorious in the ensuing Assembly polls, our government will waive off all loans of poor farmers within 10 days." He also said that the Congress government would give Rs 2,500 to every farmer for harvesting his paddy crop. "We will not only waive off farmers' within 10 days of coming to power but will also give Rs 2,500 to each farmer for harvesting and sowing paddy. Congress government will also give bonus to farmers. In case they have not received any bonus from the past two years, we will compensate them accordingly," he said. Gandhi also touched upon the issue of unemployment and promised that after coming to power, his government will work day and night to set up food processing factories in every block and district of the state to ease the life of farmers in selling their produces. "Congress government will ensure farmers get right price for their produces. We will set up food processing factories in all districts and blocks. From these factories, not only you will get the correct price for your crops but your children will also get employment in these factories," said Rahul in a bid to woo farmers, who play a key role in the state politics. "It has been 15 years that Dr Raman Singh has been in power in the state. As on to date, more than 40 lakh people are unemployed in the region and around 65 per cent of the land has not been irrigated. Moreover, 75,000 acres of land have also been taken away from the tribal people and given to the close aides of the government," he claimed. He said his mission is to make Chhattisgarh an agricultural state like Punjab and Haryana within five years.Talking about the issue of development, the Congress president tore into the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and claimed that the Centre failed to fulfill its promise of creating two crore jobs every year and created only fewer jobs for the youths. "I have a vision. I want that Chhattisgarh youths must be given loans so that they can set up their own factories and create employment in the state," he added. "If one looks closely, China within a span of 24 hours gives employment to more than 50,000 people but Modi ji is only providing employment to 450 people per hour as all the money, nearly Rs 12,50,000 crore, has been given to his 15 friends. Modi ji only believes in 15 people but I believe in crores of people," he added. Gandhi also promised the gathering that his government would put an end to the outsourcing of labour works in the state and will first provide employment opportunity to the poor people of Chhattisgarh. "Each family in the village who does not possess any property will be given a piece of land," he added. While training guns at the Central government, Rahul Gandhi claimed that more than 60,000 seats of teachers are lying vacant in the state and they will make efforts to fill them fast after coming to power. Talking about the decades old-MNREGA programme, the Congress president alleged that the Narendra Modi-led government has spent Rs 35,000 crore for the implementation of the scheme but still failed to provide any relief to the poor. "All of that money has been distributed among his friends like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Lalit Modi." Speaking about the menace of corruption prevailing in the state, the 48-year-old leader alleged that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh was himself corrupt. He also pointed fingers at the state government for not initiating any investigation against the Dr Singh's son after his name appeared in the Panama Papers case. "Whenever Modi ji goes somewhere, he claims that his government is against the menace of corruption. But after coming to Chhattisgarh, he does not mention that the chief minister is also a corrupt man. The state CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why has no action been taken against his son, whose name appeared in the Panama papers case? In Pakistan the PM is jailed because his name appeared in Panama Papers case," he said. Rahul also mentioned about the famous Public Distribution System scam and stated that Rs 36,000 crore from the people of Chhattisgarh was looted. "I want Raman Singh ji to answer who are this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names were found in the diary in connection with the scam."Gandhi scion said that his party will not work for any particular religion, community, caste or a district but for all. He also added that as soon as the Congress comes to power in the state, they will build schools, colleges, and hospitals and will also uplift the status of poor in the society by implementing 'Paisa Kanoon,' Tribal Bill and Real Estate Law. The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh comprises 18 seats and these are distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts. Of these, 12 are Scheduled Tribe seats while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls. In the 2013 assembly elections, the BJP had bagged 49 seats, Congress got 39, Bahujan Samajwadi Party and Independent got one seat each in the 90-member House.

If Congress emerges victorious, will waive off farmers loan within 10 days: Rahul Gandhi in Chattisgarh

More than 450 heavy and medium goods vehicles were sent back from Delhi borders due to a three-day ban on their entry till Sunday, authorities said.

According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Alok Kumar, 1,559 vehicles were checked and 1,078 vehicles were allowed entry from 11 pm on Friday till 6 am on Saturday as they were carrying essential goods.

As many as 481 vehicles were returned from the Delhi borders, Kumar added.

The Delhi government's transport department had issued a notification, banning the entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the region from 11 pm on Thursday till 11 pm on Sunday. It has also appealed to private diesel car owners to avoid using their vehicles during the period.

However, vehicles carrying vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, eggs, ice and other essentials, and tankers carrying petroleum products are exempted from the ban.

The air quality on Saturday was in the 'very-poor' category after local pollutants "reduced significantly" and the contribution from stubble-burning remained "marginal" due to wind speed, officials said.&nbsp;

More than 450 heavy and medium goods vehicles were sent back from Delhi borders due to a three-day ban on their entry till Sunday, authorities said. According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Alok Kumar, 1,559 vehicles were checked and 1,078 vehicles were allowed entry from 11 pm on Friday till 6 am on Saturday as they were carrying essential goods.

More than 450 heavy and medium goods vehicles were sent back from Delhi borders due to a three-day ban on their entry till Sunday, authorities said. According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Alok Kumar, 1,559 vehicles were checked and 1,078 vehicles were allowed entry from 11 pm on Friday till 6 am on Saturday as they were carrying essential goods. As many as 481 vehicles were returned from the Delhi borders, Kumar added. The Delhi government's transport department had issued a notification, banning the entry of heavy and medium goods vehicles into the region from 11 pm on Thursday till 11 pm on Sunday. It has also appealed to private diesel car owners to avoid using their vehicles during the period. However, vehicles carrying vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, eggs, ice and other essentials, and tankers carrying petroleum products are exempted from the ban. The air quality on Saturday was in the 'very-poor' category after local pollutants "reduced significantly" and the contribution from stubble-burning remained "marginal" due to wind speed, officials said.

Over 450 medium, heavy goods vehicles denied entry into Delhi over worsening air quality

The Congress Saturday promised to write off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh and provide a "salary grant" for five years to industries offering jobs to the youth if elected to power in Madhya Pradesh.

Releasing its manifesto for the November 28 Assembly polls, the main opposition party also promised a slew of benefits for other sections of the society in the state where it is making a renewed bid to dislodge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power.

Aggressively wooing farmers, who had launched a statewide protest last year, the party promised a social security pension to them and a rebate in the registration fee of land documents, besides a financial help of Rs 51,000 for the marriage of daughters of small cultivators.

In its manifesto titled "Vachan Patra" (document of promises), the Rahul Gandhi-led party, out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, also promised a minimum support price (MSP) for crops in accordance with the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.

Releasing the 112-page manifesto at a press meet here, state Congress chief Kamal Nath described it as the "voice of the people of Madhya Pradesh", saying the document was prepared after consultations with every section of the society.

The manifesto offers sops to every section of the society, including government employees, homemakers, the common people, women and journalists, but the focus is largely on farmers and young people.

Among the plethora of measures for farmers mentioned in the document, the Congress has promised a social security pension of Rs 1,000 per month to farmers who attain the age of 60 and whose land holding is below 2.5 acres, besides writing off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Other sops promised to farmers include a 50-per cent subsidy on loans for agriculture equipment, halving the power bill rates for them, a bonus on the MSP of some crops and a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre on milk procurement among others.

The opposition party also promised a re-investigation into the Mandsaur police firing incident, in which six farmers were killed in June, 2017. 
It also promised a rebate in diesel and petrol prices.

Professionals like tourist guides and lawyers would be provided an "encouragement fee" of Rs 4,000 per month for five years for settling down in their respective professions.

The Congress also promised a "salary grant" of Rs 10,000 per job to the industries offering employment to the youth of the state.

It promised the constitution of a Yuva Aayog (Commission for the Youth) to look into the problems of young men and women.

The Congress also promised several sops, including a rebate in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and subsidised loans for setting up industries with an investment of at least Rs 100 crore.

Those covered under the existing social security pension scheme would get Rs 1,000 per month, instead of Rs 300 now, if the Congress was elected to power in the state, according to the document.

A subsidy of Rs 100 on gas cylinders to poor families and free education to girls up to the post-graduation level were also promised by the party.

In a bid to appease the agitating general category people, the opposition party promised the constitution of a Samanya Varg Ayog (General Category Commission) to look into their issues.

The state recently saw a series of protests by people from the unreserved (general) category communities.

Besides, the Congress promised regularisation of daily wagers, 30 per cent government contracts to tribals, setting up of a Senior Citizen Board, a law to protect journalists and lawyers, honorarium to journalists above 60 years of age, tele-medicine facility in rural areas and four new medical colleges.

Nath said a Jan Aayog (People's Commission) would be constituted for investigations into scams like Vyapam.

A "jan jababdeh kanoon (public accountability law) would be enacted to hold the government departments responsible for providing public amenities, he added. The manifesto has 973 points on 50 subjects.

State Congress Campaign Committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia and former chief minister Digvijay Singh were also present at the press meet.

Taking potshots at the BJP, Scindia said the Congress's manifesto was not like the saffron outfit's "jumla patra" (document of rhetoric) as the party would honour every promise made in the document.

"We are bringing a vachan patra and not a jumla patra like the BJP. Our document of promises has something for everybody," the former Union minister said.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

The Congress Saturday promised to write off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh and provide a "salary grant" for five years to industries offering jobs to the youth if elected to power in Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress Saturday promised to write off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh and provide a "salary grant" for five years to industries offering jobs to the youth if elected to power in Madhya Pradesh. Releasing its manifesto for the November 28 Assembly polls, the main opposition party also promised a slew of benefits for other sections of the society in the state where it is making a renewed bid to dislodge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power. Aggressively wooing farmers, who had launched a statewide protest last year, the party promised a social security pension to them and a rebate in the registration fee of land documents, besides a financial help of Rs 51,000 for the marriage of daughters of small cultivators. In its manifesto titled "Vachan Patra" (document of promises), the Rahul Gandhi-led party, out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, also promised a minimum support price (MSP) for crops in accordance with the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. Releasing the 112-page manifesto at a press meet here, state Congress chief Kamal Nath described it as the "voice of the people of Madhya Pradesh", saying the document was prepared after consultations with every section of the society. The manifesto offers sops to every section of the society, including government employees, homemakers, the common people, women and journalists, but the focus is largely on farmers and young people. Among the plethora of measures for farmers mentioned in the document, the Congress has promised a social security pension of Rs 1,000 per month to farmers who attain the age of 60 and whose land holding is below 2.5 acres, besides writing off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh. Other sops promised to farmers include a 50-per cent subsidy on loans for agriculture equipment, halving the power bill rates for them, a bonus on the MSP of some crops and a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre on milk procurement among others. The opposition party also promised a re-investigation into the Mandsaur police firing incident, in which six farmers were killed in June, 2017. It also promised a rebate in diesel and petrol prices. Professionals like tourist guides and lawyers would be provided an "encouragement fee" of Rs 4,000 per month for five years for settling down in their respective professions. The Congress also promised a "salary grant" of Rs 10,000 per job to the industries offering employment to the youth of the state. It promised the constitution of a Yuva Aayog (Commission for the Youth) to look into the problems of young men and women. The Congress also promised several sops, including a rebate in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and subsidised loans for setting up industries with an investment of at least Rs 100 crore. Those covered under the existing social security pension scheme would get Rs 1,000 per month, instead of Rs 300 now, if the Congress was elected to power in the state, according to the document. A subsidy of Rs 100 on gas cylinders to poor families and free education to girls up to the post-graduation level were also promised by the party. In a bid to appease the agitating general category people, the opposition party promised the constitution of a Samanya Varg Ayog (General Category Commission) to look into their issues. The state recently saw a series of protests by people from the unreserved (general) category communities. Besides, the Congress promised regularisation of daily wagers, 30 per cent government contracts to tribals, setting up of a Senior Citizen Board, a law to protect journalists and lawyers, honorarium to journalists above 60 years of age, tele-medicine facility in rural areas and four new medical colleges. Nath said a Jan Aayog (People's Commission) would be constituted for investigations into scams like Vyapam. A "jan jababdeh kanoon (public accountability law) would be enacted to hold the government departments responsible for providing public amenities, he added. The manifesto has 973 points on 50 subjects. State Congress Campaign Committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia and former chief minister Digvijay Singh were also present at the press meet. Taking potshots at the BJP, Scindia said the Congress's manifesto was not like the saffron outfit's "jumla patra" (document of rhetoric) as the party would honour every promise made in the document. "We are bringing a vachan patra and not a jumla patra like the BJP. Our document of promises has something for everybody," the former Union minister said. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress releases manifesto for MP polls; woos farmers, youth

After remaining elusive for three days, former Karnataka minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy Saturday appeared before the police here in connection with an alleged ponzi scam, and denied the allegations as a "political conspiracy".

Reddy, who the police said had been absconding, came in a car to the Central Crime Branch office, along with his advocates, after releasing a video message from an unknown location, saying he would appear before it.

After arriving at the office, Reddy claimed that there was a "political conspiracy" and added that he had faith in the police.

In his video message, he said he was not absconding and was very much in the city, while asserting that there was no need for him to flee.

"I have not committed anything wrong. The police do not have a single document to prove that I am wrong. They are misleading the media," he claimed in his message telecast by TV channels.

Reddy, who was a minister in the erstwhile Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka, said he never panicked as neither his name figured in the first information report (FIR) nor was any notice served on him.

"Now that the notice has been issued by the police, I have decided to appear before the Central Crime Branch today itself though the notice says I should appear on Sunday," Reddy said.

"I decided to make this video to let people know the truth. I have faith in the police and believe that they would not succumb to any political pressure," he added.

The CCB police had launched a hunt for him since Wednesday in connection with a money transaction worth crores of rupees, allegedly linked to a ponzi scheme.

The CCB was also on the lookout for Reddy's close aide, Ali Khan, who had allegedly struck a Rs 20-crore deal with Syed Ahmed Fareed of Ambidant Marketing Pvt Ltd. -- a company accused of involvement in the ponzi scheme -- to bail him out from the Enforcement Directorate investigation.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar had said on Wednesday that Reddy was absconding and the police were looking for him to question him in the case.&nbsp;

After remaining elusive for three days, former Karnataka minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy Saturday appeared before the police here in connection with an alleged ponzi scam, and denied the allegations as a "political conspiracy".

After remaining elusive for three days, former Karnataka minister and mining baron G Janardhana Reddy Saturday appeared before the police here in connection with an alleged ponzi scam, and denied the allegations as a "political conspiracy". Reddy, who the police said had been absconding, came in a car to the Central Crime Branch office, along with his advocates, after releasing a video message from an unknown location, saying he would appear before it. After arriving at the office, Reddy claimed that there was a "political conspiracy" and added that he had faith in the police. In his video message, he said he was not absconding and was very much in the city, while asserting that there was no need for him to flee. "I have not committed anything wrong. The police do not have a single document to prove that I am wrong. They are misleading the media," he claimed in his message telecast by TV channels. Reddy, who was a minister in the erstwhile Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka, said he never panicked as neither his name figured in the first information report (FIR) nor was any notice served on him. "Now that the notice has been issued by the police, I have decided to appear before the Central Crime Branch today itself though the notice says I should appear on Sunday," Reddy said. "I decided to make this video to let people know the truth. I have faith in the police and believe that they would not succumb to any political pressure," he added. The CCB police had launched a hunt for him since Wednesday in connection with a money transaction worth crores of rupees, allegedly linked to a ponzi scheme. The CCB was also on the lookout for Reddy's close aide, Ali Khan, who had allegedly struck a Rs 20-crore deal with Syed Ahmed Fareed of Ambidant Marketing Pvt Ltd. -- a company accused of involvement in the ponzi scheme -- to bail him out from the Enforcement Directorate investigation. Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar had said on Wednesday that Reddy was absconding and the police were looking for him to question him in the case.

Ponzi scam case: Mining baron Reddy appears before police for questioning

Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are the two major headwinds that held back India's economic growth last year, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said, asserting that the current seven per cent growth rate is not enough to meet the country's needs.

Addressing an audience at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Rajan said for four years -- 2012 to 2016 -- India was growing at a faster pace before it was hit by two major headwinds.&nbsp;

"The two successive shocks of demonetisation and the GST had a serious impact on growth in India. Growth has fallen off interestingly at a time when growth in the global economy has been peaking up," he said delivering the second Bhattacharya Lectureship on the Future of India.

Rajan said a growth rate of seven per cent per year for 25 years is "very very strong" growth, but in some sense this has become the new Hindu rate of growth, which earlier used to be three-and-a-half per cent, Rajan said.

"The reality is that seven is not enough for the kind of people coming into the labour market and we need jobs for them, So, we need more and cannot be satisfied at this level," he said.&nbsp;

Observing that India is sensitive to global growth, he said India has become a much more open economy, and if the world grows, it also grows more.&nbsp;

"What happened in 2017 is that even as the world picked up, India went down. That reflects the fact that these blows (demonetisation and GST) have really really been hard blows...Because of these headwinds we have been held back,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

While India's growth is picking up again, there is the issue of oil prices, the economist noted referring to the huge reliance of India on import of oil for its energy needs.

With the oil prices going up, Rajan said things are going to be little tougher for the Indian economy, even though the country is recovering from the headwinds of demonetisation and initial hurdles in the implementation of the GST.

Commenting on the rising Non-Performing Assets (NPA), he said the best thing to do in such a situation is to "clean up".&nbsp;

It is essential to "deal up with the bad stuff", so that with clean balance sheets, banks can be put back on the track. "It has taken India far long to clean up the banks, partly because the system did not had instruments to deal with bad debts," Rajan said.

The bankruptcy code, he asserted, cannot be the only way to clean up the banks. It is the only one element of the larger cleanup plan, he said and called for a multi-prong approach to address the challenge of NPAs in India.

India, he asserted, is capable of a strong growth. As such the seven per cent growth is now being taken granted.&nbsp;

"If we go below seven per cent, then we must be doing something wrong," he said adding that that is the base on which India has to grow at least for next 10-15 years.&nbsp;

India, he said, needs to create one million jobs a month for the people joining the labour force.

The country today is facing three major bottlenecks. One is the torn infrastructure, he said, observing that construction is the one industry that drives the economy in early stages. "Infrastructure creates growth,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Second, short term target should be to clean up the power sector and to make sure that the electricity produced actually goes to the people who want the power, he said.&nbsp;

Cleaning up the banks is the third major bottleneck in India's growth, he said.

Part of the problem in India is that there is an excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making, he said.&nbsp;

"India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," Rajan said.&nbsp;

An example of this is the quantum of decisions that requires the ascent of the Prime Minister's Office, Rajan said as he highlighted the recent unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as an example of a massive project that required the approval of the PMO.&nbsp;

Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are the two major headwinds that held back India's economic growth last year, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said, asserting that the current seven per cent growth rate is not enough to meet the country's needs.

Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are the two major headwinds that held back India's economic growth last year, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said, asserting that the current seven per cent growth rate is not enough to meet the country's needs. Addressing an audience at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Rajan said for four years -- 2012 to 2016 -- India was growing at a faster pace before it was hit by two major headwinds. "The two successive shocks of demonetisation and the GST had a serious impact on growth in India. Growth has fallen off interestingly at a time when growth in the global economy has been peaking up," he said delivering the second Bhattacharya Lectureship on the Future of India. Rajan said a growth rate of seven per cent per year for 25 years is "very very strong" growth, but in some sense this has become the new Hindu rate of growth, which earlier used to be three-and-a-half per cent, Rajan said. "The reality is that seven is not enough for the kind of people coming into the labour market and we need jobs for them, So, we need more and cannot be satisfied at this level," he said. Observing that India is sensitive to global growth, he said India has become a much more open economy, and if the world grows, it also grows more. "What happened in 2017 is that even as the world picked up, India went down. That reflects the fact that these blows (demonetisation and GST) have really really been hard blows...Because of these headwinds we have been held back," he said. While India's growth is picking up again, there is the issue of oil prices, the economist noted referring to the huge reliance of India on import of oil for its energy needs. With the oil prices going up, Rajan said things are going to be little tougher for the Indian economy, even though the country is recovering from the headwinds of demonetisation and initial hurdles in the implementation of the GST. Commenting on the rising Non-Performing Assets (NPA), he said the best thing to do in such a situation is to "clean up". It is essential to "deal up with the bad stuff", so that with clean balance sheets, banks can be put back on the track. "It has taken India far long to clean up the banks, partly because the system did not had instruments to deal with bad debts," Rajan said. The bankruptcy code, he asserted, cannot be the only way to clean up the banks. It is the only one element of the larger cleanup plan, he said and called for a multi-prong approach to address the challenge of NPAs in India. India, he asserted, is capable of a strong growth. As such the seven per cent growth is now being taken granted. "If we go below seven per cent, then we must be doing something wrong," he said adding that that is the base on which India has to grow at least for next 10-15 years. India, he said, needs to create one million jobs a month for the people joining the labour force. The country today is facing three major bottlenecks. One is the torn infrastructure, he said, observing that construction is the one industry that drives the economy in early stages. "Infrastructure creates growth," he said. Second, short term target should be to clean up the power sector and to make sure that the electricity produced actually goes to the people who want the power, he said. Cleaning up the banks is the third major bottleneck in India's growth, he said. Part of the problem in India is that there is an excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making, he said. "India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," Rajan said. An example of this is the quantum of decisions that requires the ascent of the Prime Minister's Office, Rajan said as he highlighted the recent unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as an example of a massive project that required the approval of the PMO.

India's economic growth held back due to demonetisation, GST: Raghuram Rajan 

The Election Commission of India on Saturday held a meeting and decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secretary of Mizoram, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Commission also decided to take further steps only after receiving a report of the visit by Deputy Election Commissioner's team to the state.

On Friday, an Election Commission team held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram. During the meeting, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-team-has-agreed-to-remove-mizoram-ceo-ngo-coordination-committee-chief-176531">it was decided to remove state Chief Electoral Officer</a> (CEO) SB Shashank, a civil society leader said.

The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies.&nbsp;

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In the EC meeting held today, the Commission has only decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secy of Mizoram. Further steps to only be taken after receiving report of the visit by Dy Election Commissioner's team to the state <a href="https://t.co/PORnZDgKq1">pic.twitter.com/PORnZDgKq1</a>
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Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India on Saturday held a meeting and decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secretary of Mizoram, news agency ANI reported.

The Election Commission of India on Saturday held a meeting and decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secretary of Mizoram, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the Commission also decided to take further steps only after receiving a report of the visit by Deputy Election Commissioner's team to the state. On Friday, an Election Commission team held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram. During the meeting, it was decided to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, a civil society leader said. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. In the EC meeting held today, the Commission has only decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secy of Mizoram. Further steps to only be taken after receiving report of the visit by Dy Election Commissioner's team to the state pic.twitter.com/PORnZDgKq1 — ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2018 × Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately, news agency PTI reported. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram. (With inputs from agencies)

Mizoram: EC to call for panel of names for state Chief Electoral Officer's office

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kanker in Chhattisgarh, he said that CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why no action was taken against his son, whose name appeared in Panama papers.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, prime minister was jailed because his name appeared in Panama papers, he said.&nbsp;

Speaking about the PDS Scam and the alleged mention of ‘CM Madam’ and ‘Dr Sahab’ in a diary, Rahul said he asked Raman Singh who is this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names had been found in the diary in connection with the scam but the CM didn’t answer.&nbsp;

Rs 36,000 crore belonging to the people of Chhattisgarh was looted, the Congress leader alleged.

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Modi says he's fighting against corruption but when he comes to Chhattisgarh he doesn't tell the people that the state's chief minister is corrupt.&nbsp;

''Your Rs 5000 core disappeared in chit-fund scam, 310 FIRs were registered but no action was taken because CM was involved, Gandhi alleged.&nbsp;

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers.

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers. Addressing an election rally at Kanker in Chhattisgarh, he said that CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why no action was taken against his son, whose name appeared in Panama papers. In Pakistan, prime minister was jailed because his name appeared in Panama papers, he said. Speaking about the PDS Scam and the alleged mention of ‘CM Madam’ and ‘Dr Sahab’ in a diary, Rahul said he asked Raman Singh who is this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names had been found in the diary in connection with the scam but the CM didn’t answer. Rs 36,000 crore belonging to the people of Chhattisgarh was looted, the Congress leader alleged. Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Modi says he's fighting against corruption but when he comes to Chhattisgarh he doesn't tell the people that the state's chief minister is corrupt. ''Your Rs 5000 core disappeared in chit-fund scam, 310 FIRs were registered but no action was taken because CM was involved, Gandhi alleged.

Modi says he's fighting corruption but is mum on corrupt Raman Singh: Rahul Gandhi 

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress "unilaterally" announcing that it will give three seats to CPI in the coming Assembly polls in Telangana, the left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats.

A meeting of the CPI state executive here expressed disappointment over the "unilateral" announcement made by Congress Thursday, a party release said.

The CPI, a partner in the grand alliance" of opposition parties for the assembly election, expressed unhappiness on being given three seats, describing it as an "injustice" towards the party.

The alliance comprises the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).

Congress Thursday said the party has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI.

"We (alliance partners) had discussed that an approach of give and take should be there (in the alliance). There should be respectable arrangements.

What happpened now is against that.

But, our political motive is to dislodge the KCR government in Telangana," CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters.

Noting that his party had asked for at least five seats, he said it is "injustice" (towards his party) to give only three seats.

Venkat Reddy said his party has informed senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy about its complaint who promised to take it up with party high command. 
TJS president M Kodandaram has expressed solidarity with the CPI.

TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners would soon sit and review the developments since the last two months and try to strengthen the coalition.

The meeting would take place after Congress leaders return to Hyderabad from gulf countries. Congress leaders have gone to Gulf countries to enquire about migrant workers' problems, he said.

The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly polls would be released on November 10, RC Khuntia, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana said Thursday.

He had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 assembly segments.

The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress "unilaterally" announcing that it will give three seats to CPI in the coming Assembly polls in Telangana, the left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress "unilaterally" announcing that it will give three seats to CPI in the coming Assembly polls in Telangana, the left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats. A meeting of the CPI state executive here expressed disappointment over the "unilateral" announcement made by Congress Thursday, a party release said. The CPI, a partner in the grand alliance" of opposition parties for the assembly election, expressed unhappiness on being given three seats, describing it as an "injustice" towards the party. The alliance comprises the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). Congress Thursday said the party has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. "We (alliance partners) had discussed that an approach of give and take should be there (in the alliance). There should be respectable arrangements. What happpened now is against that. But, our political motive is to dislodge the KCR government in Telangana," CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters. Noting that his party had asked for at least five seats, he said it is "injustice" (towards his party) to give only three seats. Venkat Reddy said his party has informed senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy about its complaint who promised to take it up with party high command. TJS president M Kodandaram has expressed solidarity with the CPI. TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners would soon sit and review the developments since the last two months and try to strengthen the coalition. The meeting would take place after Congress leaders return to Hyderabad from gulf countries. Congress leaders have gone to Gulf countries to enquire about migrant workers' problems, he said. The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly polls would be released on November 10, RC Khuntia, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana said Thursday. He had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 assembly segments. The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.

Telangana polls: CPI unhappy with 3 seats given by Congress, to contest 5

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress` Manifesto, it`s People`s Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party`s commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfil all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following."

The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power. The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress` Manifesto, it`s People`s Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party`s commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfil all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following." The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11.

Congress releases 'People's Manifesto' for Chhattisgarh polls

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said.

The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press.

Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held.&nbsp;

The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments.

Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately.

The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said.

Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then.

The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said.

Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28.

The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats.

They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi.&nbsp;

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said.

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said. The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press. Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments. Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately. The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said. Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said. Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28. The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats. They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi.

Election Commission team has agreed to remove Mizoram CEO: NGO coordination committee chief 

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections.

Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati.

According to the new list, Kishan Chand Sharma would contest from Dholpur, Ramhet Kushwah from Badi seat of Dholpur district, Lakshman Singh Chaudhary from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district, Vijay Shankar Bohra from Mahua of Dausa district, Sunil Kumar Jatav from Bayana seat of Bharatpur district.&nbsp;

Gyara Ahmad Khan would contest election on a BSP ticket against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from Jhalarapatan Assembly constituency of Jhalawar district, a release said.&nbsp;

Last week, the party had released the first list of 11 candidates.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati. According to the new list, Kishan Chand Sharma would contest from Dholpur, Ramhet Kushwah from Badi seat of Dholpur district, Lakshman Singh Chaudhary from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district, Vijay Shankar Bohra from Mahua of Dausa district, Sunil Kumar Jatav from Bayana seat of Bharatpur district. Gyara Ahmad Khan would contest election on a BSP ticket against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from Jhalarapatan Assembly constituency of Jhalawar district, a release said. Last week, the party had released the first list of 11 candidates.

Rajasthan polls: BSP releases fresh list of candidates

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states.

&nbsp;A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.30 pm of December 7, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" .

While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have elections on November 28. 
Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7.

Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends.&nbsp;

The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.&nbsp;

The proposal is pending with the government.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.30 pm of December 7, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" . While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have elections on November 28. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7. Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends. The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The proposal is pending with the government.

Election Commission bans exit polls from November 12 to December 7

The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other.

While the Congress accused the BJP of raking up the issues of Pakistan and Ram temple to ward off an impending electoral defeat, the ruling party said the main opposition outfit is feeling like a "fish out of water" since it lost power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago.

Talking to reporters at Indore Friday, Congress national spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said the BJP starts taking the name of Pakistan whenever it senses defeat in elections.

It also starts doing politics in the name of Lord Rama when elections are just around the corner, he said.

Asked about the Congress' stand on the Ram temple issue, he said, "This matter is being heard at the Supreme Court. We will surely react if Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes any statement about the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya."

The Congress leader said, "If the BJP government at the Centre wants to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya then why it is not brining an ordinance? &nbsp;This government is only trying to deceive people in the name of Lord Rama."

Ahmad said India's key defence needs were ignored in the controversial Rafale deal.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit out at the Congress.

Talking to journalists at Mandsaur while accompanying local BJP candidate Yashpal Singh Sisodiya for filing his nomination papers, Naqvi said the Congress feels restless when out of power and flutters like a "fish out of water".

Accusing the Congress of engaging in corruption and running governments in a dictatorial manner, Naqvi said the Rahul Gandhi-led party is spreading canards about Prime Minister Narendra and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Taking potshots at Congress and opposition leaders, Naqvi said there are two dozen candidates for the posts of prime minister and Madhya Pradesh chief minister, but there is no vacancy for these top positions.

Union minister and BJP leader Suresh Prabhu said the Congress is running out of ideas in elections and hence it is doing politics on the country's security.

He accompanied local BJP candidate Devendra Verma at Khandwa in a rally to file his nomination papers.

Prabhu said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given answers of all questions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal.

There should be no politics on the issue of country's defence and security, Prabhu said.

All the BJP candidates contesting from assembly seats in Bhopal district reached the returning officer's office in a rally to file their nomination papers.

These candidates offered prayers at a temple in Bhopal's Somwara Chowk along with Chief Minister Chouhan before taking out the rally.&nbsp;

The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other.

The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other. While the Congress accused the BJP of raking up the issues of Pakistan and Ram temple to ward off an impending electoral defeat, the ruling party said the main opposition outfit is feeling like a "fish out of water" since it lost power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago. Talking to reporters at Indore Friday, Congress national spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said the BJP starts taking the name of Pakistan whenever it senses defeat in elections. It also starts doing politics in the name of Lord Rama when elections are just around the corner, he said. Asked about the Congress' stand on the Ram temple issue, he said, "This matter is being heard at the Supreme Court. We will surely react if Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes any statement about the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya." The Congress leader said, "If the BJP government at the Centre wants to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya then why it is not brining an ordinance? This government is only trying to deceive people in the name of Lord Rama." Ahmad said India's key defence needs were ignored in the controversial Rafale deal. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit out at the Congress. Talking to journalists at Mandsaur while accompanying local BJP candidate Yashpal Singh Sisodiya for filing his nomination papers, Naqvi said the Congress feels restless when out of power and flutters like a "fish out of water". Accusing the Congress of engaging in corruption and running governments in a dictatorial manner, Naqvi said the Rahul Gandhi-led party is spreading canards about Prime Minister Narendra and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Taking potshots at Congress and opposition leaders, Naqvi said there are two dozen candidates for the posts of prime minister and Madhya Pradesh chief minister, but there is no vacancy for these top positions. Union minister and BJP leader Suresh Prabhu said the Congress is running out of ideas in elections and hence it is doing politics on the country's security. He accompanied local BJP candidate Devendra Verma at Khandwa in a rally to file his nomination papers. Prabhu said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given answers of all questions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal. There should be no politics on the issue of country's defence and security, Prabhu said. All the BJP candidates contesting from assembly seats in Bhopal district reached the returning officer's office in a rally to file their nomination papers. These candidates offered prayers at a temple in Bhopal's Somwara Chowk along with Chief Minister Chouhan before taking out the rally.

Madhya Pradesh polls: BJP, Congress trade charges ahead of November 28 election

A total of 2,800 nominations have been filed for the 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its candidates from all the assembly seats, Congress announced its candidates only from 229 seats and left a seat for Sharad Yadav`s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

The filing of nominations for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections ended on Friday.

A total of 162 nominations were filed from Rewa assembly constituency, while 156 from Satna.

This time, the BJP has fielded Usha Thakur from Mhow assembly constituency. Earlier, party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya used to contest from this seat.

Opposing Thakur`s nomination from the seat, five BJP leaders from the area have filed independent nomination from the seat.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders Nasir Islam and Sajid Ali have also filed nomination as independent candidates.

Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.&nbsp;

A total of 2,800 nominations have been filed for the 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its candidates from all the assembly seats, Congress announced its candidates only from 229 seats and left a seat for Sharad Yadav`s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

A total of 2,800 nominations have been filed for the 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its candidates from all the assembly seats, Congress announced its candidates only from 229 seats and left a seat for Sharad Yadav`s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The filing of nominations for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections ended on Friday. A total of 162 nominations were filed from Rewa assembly constituency, while 156 from Satna. This time, the BJP has fielded Usha Thakur from Mhow assembly constituency. Earlier, party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya used to contest from this seat. Opposing Thakur`s nomination from the seat, five BJP leaders from the area have filed independent nomination from the seat. Meanwhile, Congress leaders Nasir Islam and Sajid Ali have also filed nomination as independent candidates. Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Madhya Pradesh polls: 2,800 nominations filed for 230 seats

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a former minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh, has expressed discontent over the ticket distribution process and claimed that the party does not respect elderly people, similar to the manner in which Mughal ruler Aurangzeb imprisoned his father.

Kusmaria, a former agriculture minister and the president of Bundelkhand Development Corporation, said "I don`t understand what the problem is in giving tickets to the elderly. I believe that BJP is acting like how Aurangzeb had imprisoned his father and ruled. This is what they are doing now. Is this the way how to treat elderly people? The party needs to respect such people."

The BJP leader added that the people wanted him to be elected from Damoh constituency, asserting that the development works would be expedited.

He further alleged that the BJP ignored his demand for a ticket to contest from Damoh, and therefore, filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate on Friday.

"People are demanding that if you win, then the development works, which were stalled previously, would be completed soon. The previous legislator (from Damoh) did not pay heed. I am feeling suffocated now over the ticket distribution issue." Kusmaria said.

He further said that the Congress party was in touch with him, adding that "anything can happen" in the run-up to the polls.

Kusmaria is a five-time Member of Parliament (MP) and has been a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Damoh thrice.

In the last assembly elections in 2013, the BJP had transferred him from Damoh district to Rajnagar assembly seat in Chhattarpur district, but he lost from there.

Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a former minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh, has expressed discontent over the ticket distribution process and claimed that the party does not respect elderly people, similar to the manner in which Mughal ruler Aurangzeb imprisoned his father.

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a former minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh, has expressed discontent over the ticket distribution process and claimed that the party does not respect elderly people, similar to the manner in which Mughal ruler Aurangzeb imprisoned his father. Kusmaria, a former agriculture minister and the president of Bundelkhand Development Corporation, said "I don`t understand what the problem is in giving tickets to the elderly. I believe that BJP is acting like how Aurangzeb had imprisoned his father and ruled. This is what they are doing now. Is this the way how to treat elderly people? The party needs to respect such people." The BJP leader added that the people wanted him to be elected from Damoh constituency, asserting that the development works would be expedited. He further alleged that the BJP ignored his demand for a ticket to contest from Damoh, and therefore, filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate on Friday. "People are demanding that if you win, then the development works, which were stalled previously, would be completed soon. The previous legislator (from Damoh) did not pay heed. I am feeling suffocated now over the ticket distribution issue." Kusmaria said. He further said that the Congress party was in touch with him, adding that "anything can happen" in the run-up to the polls. Kusmaria is a five-time Member of Parliament (MP) and has been a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Damoh thrice. In the last assembly elections in 2013, the BJP had transferred him from Damoh district to Rajnagar assembly seat in Chhattarpur district, but he lost from there. Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.

MP: Irked by ticket distribution, BJP leader compares party to Aurangzeb's rule

Amid widespread protests and stiff resistance from the BJP, the Karnataka is going ahead with the celebrations of the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan.&nbsp;

Several protesters were detained this morning in Kodagu district for shouting slogans and trying to block the official celebrations.

The JDS-Congress coalition government led by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, last week, had said Tipu Jayanti celebrations would go ahead on November 10 in continuation of the previous Congress government's policy, prompting the BJP to announce protests.

Chief minister Kumaraswamy is not attending the&nbsp;main function.&nbsp;On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days, it said.

Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials beforehand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation.

Police said security has been tightened at sensitive places, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kodagu.

Amid widespread protests and stiff resistance from the BJP, the Karnataka is going ahead with the celebrations of the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan.

Amid widespread protests and stiff resistance from the BJP, the Karnataka is going ahead with the celebrations of the birth anniversary of the controversial 18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan. Several protesters were detained this morning in Kodagu district for shouting slogans and trying to block the official celebrations. The JDS-Congress coalition government led by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, last week, had said Tipu Jayanti celebrations would go ahead on November 10 in continuation of the previous Congress government's policy, prompting the BJP to announce protests. Chief minister Kumaraswamy is not attending the main function. On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family on these days and there will be no official engagements on these days, it said. Minister for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said the chief minister had told officials beforehand that he would be away for medical check-up and hence, his name should not be mentioned in the invitation. Police said security has been tightened at sensitive places, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kodagu.

BJP stages protests as Karnataka government celebrates Tipu Jayanti

The National People's Party (NPP) will contest eight seats in the Mizoram elections on November 28, party national secretary Lalrina said Thursday.

The NPP was launched in Mizoram by its president and Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad Sangma, on September 29.

Lalrina told PTI that the NPP candidates would be filing their nominations either on Thursday or Friday, which is the last date of filing nominations.

"Former parliamentary secretary Hmingdailova Khiangte, who recently resigned from the state legislature after being denied ticket by the ruling Congress, would be NPP's candidate for Tuirial seat in Kolasib district, located on the border with Assam," Lalrina said.

NPP state unit convener Lianzuala will contest from the Dampa constituency, while a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, B Suanzalang, will try his electoral luck from Champhai North seat.

Former president of the erstwhile underground Hmar People's Convention (HPC), Hmingchungnunga, would be the NPP's nominee in the Serlui seat, while Kapliana Pachuau, a journalist and a fresher, would contest from the prestigious Serchhip seat against giants like chief minister Lal Thanhawla and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) chief ministerial nominee Lalduhoma.

First timers -- John Lalremruata, Lalhuliana and D D Chakma -- will contest from Kolasib, Thorang and Tuichawng seats, respectively.

In Meghalaya, the NPP is the major partner of the ruling MDA alliance, while in Nagaland and Manipur it is also part of the ruling alliance. It is part of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and a constituent of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).&nbsp;

The National People's Party (NPP) will contest eight seats in the Mizoram elections on November 28, party national secretary Lalrina said Thursday. The NPP was launched in Mizoram by its president and Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad Sangma, on September 29.

The National People's Party (NPP) will contest eight seats in the Mizoram elections on November 28, party national secretary Lalrina said Thursday. The NPP was launched in Mizoram by its president and Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad Sangma, on September 29. Lalrina told PTI that the NPP candidates would be filing their nominations either on Thursday or Friday, which is the last date of filing nominations. "Former parliamentary secretary Hmingdailova Khiangte, who recently resigned from the state legislature after being denied ticket by the ruling Congress, would be NPP's candidate for Tuirial seat in Kolasib district, located on the border with Assam," Lalrina said. NPP state unit convener Lianzuala will contest from the Dampa constituency, while a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, B Suanzalang, will try his electoral luck from Champhai North seat. Former president of the erstwhile underground Hmar People's Convention (HPC), Hmingchungnunga, would be the NPP's nominee in the Serlui seat, while Kapliana Pachuau, a journalist and a fresher, would contest from the prestigious Serchhip seat against giants like chief minister Lal Thanhawla and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) chief ministerial nominee Lalduhoma. First timers -- John Lalremruata, Lalhuliana and D D Chakma -- will contest from Kolasib, Thorang and Tuichawng seats, respectively. In Meghalaya, the NPP is the major partner of the ruling MDA alliance, while in Nagaland and Manipur it is also part of the ruling alliance. It is part of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and a constituent of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

Mizoram polls: National People's Party to contest in 8 seats

Delhi's pollution level remained 'severe' for the second day as a thick haze engulfed the national capital, even as the authorities said there was a significant improvement in the air quality as compared to Thursday.

The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 426 which falls in the 'severe' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the city's air quality has "improved significantly" since Thursday, but the recovery was slow due to low surface wind speed.

"At present, it continued to be in 'severe' but likely to improve further and will become 'very poor' by afternoon and will improve further by Saturday. The contribution of PM2.5 in PM10 which was 75 per cent on Thursday (against normal 55 per cent) has been reducing," the SAFAR said.

It also said the contribution to the PM2.5 pollution due to stubble emission was marginal.

Twenty-eight areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality, while four areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the data of the CPCB.

On Friday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 272 gm-3.

The PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 10 micrometres) level was recorded six times the permissible limit at 422 gm-3, according to SAFAR.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

AQI above 500 falls in the "severe-plus emergency" category.

Delhi's air quality on Thursday went off the charts to 'severe plus' emergency category as smog caused due to smoke from firecrackers engulfed the national capital.

The overall AQI Thursday was recorded in the "severe plus emergency" category at 642, according to the data by SAFAR.&nbsp;

The sharp spike in pollution on Thursday was caused by the rampant burning of firecrackers that had led to the formation of a smoky layer across the national capital and drastically reduced visibility, authorities said.&nbsp;

Delhi's pollution level remained 'severe' for the second day as a thick haze engulfed the national capital, even as the authorities said there was a significant improvement in the air quality as compared to Thursday.

Delhi's pollution level remained 'severe' for the second day as a thick haze engulfed the national capital, even as the authorities said there was a significant improvement in the air quality as compared to Thursday. The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 426 which falls in the 'severe' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the city's air quality has "improved significantly" since Thursday, but the recovery was slow due to low surface wind speed. "At present, it continued to be in 'severe' but likely to improve further and will become 'very poor' by afternoon and will improve further by Saturday. The contribution of PM2.5 in PM10 which was 75 per cent on Thursday (against normal 55 per cent) has been reducing," the SAFAR said. It also said the contribution to the PM2.5 pollution due to stubble emission was marginal. Twenty-eight areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality, while four areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the data of the CPCB. On Friday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 272 gm-3. The PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 10 micrometres) level was recorded six times the permissible limit at 422 gm-3, according to SAFAR. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". AQI above 500 falls in the "severe-plus emergency" category. Delhi's air quality on Thursday went off the charts to 'severe plus' emergency category as smog caused due to smoke from firecrackers engulfed the national capital. The overall AQI Thursday was recorded in the "severe plus emergency" category at 642, according to the data by SAFAR. The sharp spike in pollution on Thursday was caused by the rampant burning of firecrackers that had led to the formation of a smoky layer across the national capital and drastically reduced visibility, authorities said.

Delhi's air quality 'severe'; sees improvement from Thursday

The BJP would "aim" to rename Hyderabad and other cities in the state after the names of great people if it is elected to power in Telangana in the December 7 poll, party leader Raja Singh said Thursday.

"Our aim is, when our Bharatiya Janata Party government comes to power in Telangana, our first (priority) is development, second is these names should be changed. They should be named after great people, those who worked for our nation, righteousness and Telangana," he told.

Singh, who was a member of the recently-dissolved legislative assembly, said the Qutb Shahis, who ruled the region during the 16th century, had changed the name of the city, Bhagyanagar, to Hyderabad.

They had also changed the names of other places, he said, adding Secunderabad and Karimnagar were among them.

Singh also found fault with AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi's comments earlier Thursday that BJP president Amit Shah wants a "Muslim-free" India.

He said Muslims should not believe Owaisi, who had often spoken against Telangana.

Owaisi is Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad.

Telangana goes to polls on December 7.&nbsp;

The BJP would "aim" to rename Hyderabad and other cities in the state after the names of great people if it is elected to power in Telangana in the December 7 poll, party leader Raja Singh said Thursday.

The BJP would "aim" to rename Hyderabad and other cities in the state after the names of great people if it is elected to power in Telangana in the December 7 poll, party leader Raja Singh said Thursday. "Our aim is, when our Bharatiya Janata Party government comes to power in Telangana, our first (priority) is development, second is these names should be changed. They should be named after great people, those who worked for our nation, righteousness and Telangana," he told. Singh, who was a member of the recently-dissolved legislative assembly, said the Qutb Shahis, who ruled the region during the 16th century, had changed the name of the city, Bhagyanagar, to Hyderabad. They had also changed the names of other places, he said, adding Secunderabad and Karimnagar were among them. Singh also found fault with AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi's comments earlier Thursday that BJP president Amit Shah wants a "Muslim-free" India. He said Muslims should not believe Owaisi, who had often spoken against Telangana. Owaisi is Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad. Telangana goes to polls on December 7.

BJP would aim to change Hyderabad's name it elected in Telangana: Party leader

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